Salary and offers
Got a counter offer? How to decide whether to stay
Why employers make counter offers, questions to ask yourself before accepting one, and how to decline politely without burning bridges.
Why counter offers happen
When you resign, your manager suddenly faces the cost of replacing you: hiring time, lost knowledge, and pressure on the team. A counter offer, usually a raise, a new title, or a promise of change, is often the fastest way to avoid that cost.
That does not make a counter offer insincere. But it does mean it was triggered by your resignation, not by a plan for your growth. Keep that in mind as you decide.
Questions to ask yourself
- Why did I start looking? If it was only money, a counter offer may fix it. If it was the manager, the work, or growth, a raise rarely does.
- Why did it take a resignation? If you asked for this earlier and were refused, what has really changed?
- Is the offer in writing? Promises of a future promotion are easy to make and easy to forget.
- How will I be seen now? Some managers start to view a retained employee as a flight risk.
- What did I promise the new employer? Backing out late affects your reputation with them and the recruiter.
When accepting can make sense
Staying can be the right call when the main reason you looked was pay or title, the counter offer fixes it fully and in writing, and you genuinely like your team and work. It can also make sense if the new role had real doubts, such as an unclear team or a much weaker benefits package.
If you accept, inform the other employer quickly and courteously. Do not keep both options open for weeks.
How to decline a counter offer
Thank you for the offer. I really appreciate it and it means a lot that you want me to stay. I have thought it through carefully, and I have decided to take up the new role. I will make sure the handover is complete and smooth before my last day.
Keep it warm and final. Avoid long explanations or criticism. You may work with these people again.
Avoid using offers as leverage only
Interviewing elsewhere only to get a raise at your current job can work once, but it costs the other employer time and can damage your reputation in a small industry. If you want a raise, ask for it directly first, with evidence of your contribution and market ranges.
Seeing the salary range on every job on hiARed can help you understand your market value before that conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Is it unprofessional to accept a counter offer?
Not by itself, but tell the new employer promptly and honestly. Backing out late without notice is what damages trust.
Should I tell the new employer about my counter offer?
Only if you are genuinely open to staying and want to discuss their offer. Do not use it as a bluff.
Can I ask for a counter offer in writing?
Yes. Ask for the revised salary, title, and effective date in writing before you withdraw your resignation.